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[JamesV6CDX]

Are the half moons in place?

[johnnycboy]

what a bugger - don't give up just yet, a garage will crucify ya.  i know you feel let down but try again. rest assured it will work out in the end.

[Alex W]

I cleaned the breathers thoroughly using Carb Cleaner, I was surprised that the pipes weren't that blocked. The pin hole pipe I had to clear with a small drill bit and a squirt or two of carb cleaner. The bigger pipe wasn't too bad. I did the rubber pipe with loads of carb cleaner and then attached it to my outside tap. TB cleaned all the stuff on the plenum while I was at his place a few weeks ago. It all still looked shiny clean so I didn't do that part again.

I would have sworn that the half moons were correctly in place and the whole gasket was sitting properly. It appears I was wrong.

Nothing appears to come out on tickover but as soon as you rev the engine it starts to spew.

[ians]

Alex, if its any consolation, it will take you a fraction of the time second time round now you know what you are doing.

On the passenger side particularly it would be easy to dislodge the seal/orings as you refit the cover.  You should be able to feel around the half moon though - it will be pretty obvious by the mess if that is not in place.

Good luck

[Entwood]

Exactly what I did the first time ... 1/2 moons were OK but about 3/4 inch of gasket had slipped and was "inside" the cover. Sorted the second time by

a) moving the cable tray/cables WELL out if the way so I could see what I was doing

b) using a very small amount of grease every 2 inches to hold the gasket in place. I know the rubber "bits" are supposed to hold it .. but seems like they didn't first time. much more care second time and all was fine.

Just the additional job of cleaning the engine ..

[Alex W]

I used a smear of grease to hold the o-rings in place so they shouldn't have moved although space was a bit tight and I could have knocked one off I suppose.

I expect the plug wells will have loads of oil in them again. I think I spent more time getting that out with kitchen towel than doing anything else. Of course there is oil all over the gearbox and the exhaust (presumably that was the cause of the smoke).
 
Anyway the engine is still hot, it's also raining and I have to work on the drive.

I also need the car for a weeks holiday in Devon starting Sunday.

I need to make a decision about a hire car really.

[Alex W]

I swear I could feel the gasket all the way round including the half-moons after I had replaced the cover but before i started doing the bolts up. Anyway, whatever I did wrong the top has to come off again to find out what and put it right.

I am exhausted from the last three days battle with it and very disappointed that I have messed it up after I thought I had taken such care.

I am nontheless very grateful for everyone's kind help and support. Thanks all.

[Alex W]

Stripped it all down again.

Took the passenger side cam cover off and the outside half moon tore off as I was removing it. Presumably because it was stuck to the sealant. Gotta get a new gasket set now. Bugger it. The stealer is over ten miles away and has to order one. Just as well I ordered a hire car for my trip to Devon on Sunday!

At least there is no oil in the plug wells. Takes ages to get all that out.

Might as well get on with cleaning the oil off the engine while I am waiting :-/

[johnnycboy]

Stripped it all down again.

Took the passenger side cam cover off and the outside half moon tore off as I was removing it. Presumably because it was stuck to the sealant. Gotta get a new gasket set now. Bugger it. The stealer is over ten miles away and has to order one. Just as well I ordered a hire car for my trip to Devon on Sunday!

At least there is no oil in the plug wells. Takes ages to get all that out.

Might as well get on with cleaning the oil off the engine while I am waiting :-/

I'm wondering if that was a faulty gasket you had,  i've done two sets of gaskets so far and not had any tear off when removing the cover.  perhaps you ought to bring that up with the staeler. just a thought.

glad you decided to tackle it again

[tmx]

clean the breathers out aswell alex!

[Alex W]

Breathers need cleaning again?

I cleaned them thoroughly first time and changed the oil

[tmx]

sorry then didnt read that bit if theyre already cleaned then they should be ok!

[Alex W]

OK TMX, thanks for your interest anyway

[Alex W]

Good news, The stealer rang back and he's found some gaskets. Been and collected them and have refitted.

A tip for anyone doing this. Its easier to fit the passenger side cam cover by leaning in from the drivers side, especially when your missus is holding the wiring out of the way.

I have been as careful as I can it all seems good. Now for the reassembly

[Alex W]

OK all done!

Is there any period of time I should wait to allow the sealant to cure before startimng the engine?